An Introduction to Tree-Ring Dating [Paperback]

Marvin A. Stokes (Author), Terah L. Smiley (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 1, 1996

Tree-ring dating, or dendrochronology, is the study of the chronological sequence of annual growth rings in trees. This book--a seminal study in its field--provides a simple yet eloquent introduction to the discipline, explaining what a dendrochronologist does both in the field and in the laboratory. Authors Stokes and Smiley first explain the basic principles of tree-ring dating, then describe details of the process, step by step, from the time a sample is collected until it is incorporated into a master chronology. The book focuses on coniferous evergreens of the Southwest, particularly piñons, because they have wide geographic distribution, constitute a large population, and show excellent growth response to certain controlling factors. The book is specifically concerned with the task of establishing a calendar date for a wood or charcoal specimen. This concise but thorough explication of an important discipline will make dendrochonology more meaningful to students and professionals in archaeology, forestry, hydrology, and global change.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

The late Terah L. Smiley was formerly the head of the geosciences department at the University of Arizona.

Product Details

• Paperback: 73 pages
• Publisher: University of Arizona Press (October 1, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0816516804
• ISBN-13: 978-0816516803
• Product Dimensions: 8.1 x 5.3 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.5 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #303,791 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars an introduction to tree ring dating, June 27, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: An Introduction to Tree-Ring Dating (Paperback)

This is one of the most cited references in dendrochronology for good reasons. The book is well illistrated, providing great information on the basics of dendrochronology, from mounting core to creating skeleton plots.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars A good, well written book, but too short, September 23, 2008

By 

Joe Blow "Joe Blow" (San Francisco, CA United States) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: An Introduction to Tree-Ring Dating (Paperback)

This book has a lot of very good information and the writing is really excellent. The explanations are very good, easy to understand and never leave the reader confused. However, the book is way too short. It is listed as having 73 pages which is already a short book, but even that is a stretch since there are many pictures, blank pages and other content free areas. I haven't done a count, but I would guess there are no more than 45 pages of actual written content.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A quick introduction to the topic, December 27, 2005

By 

GlowingParis "Grad Student" (Southeastern, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: An Introduction to Tree-Ring Dating (Paperback)

A classic introduction to field of dendrochronology. While we have become more technologically sophisticated, the basic principles of dendrochronology have remained relatively unchanged since the first publication of this book. It is a definite "must read" for anyone interested in tree-ring analysis.